My fat apron is gone!

[GayleTX 1]

had my pani removed (all 16 lbs of it) Friday morning. It was not nearly as traumatic as I had anticipated. I left the hospital the next morning walking upright and went to my DS' house overnight (he lives closer to civilazation than I do).

The worst part of it so far has been the Constipation caused by the meds. But my son made an emergency run to Walgreen's at midnight last night and I was cured by sunup. MOM is a miracle drug for sure!

I'm in my own home now with nothing but steri-strips on my incision (I had anticipated drain tubes, compression garments, a body cast, and full-time RN on duty!).

The amputation feels very strange.......I'll have to get used to not having a bag of fat flapping against my legs when I walk. I still weigh what I did when I check into the hospital.......this swelling better go down and so had the scale or I'm going to be very upset!! I also have a round purple belly above my stitches.....just call me Barney!

Seriously, the nurses all really praised my sugeon....if any of you plan to have their PS in the Dallas area, Dr. Pollock must be the man. And the Texas Institute for Surgery is like a visit to a Hilton Hotel.....wonderful place (part of the Presbyterian system). Most of their surgeries are day surgeries but they do have 9 overnight rooms. The night I was there, there were 2 patients - with 2 RN's, a CNT, and a security guard all at your beck and call (and a wonderful dining room that prepared your food according to your instructions---too bad I can't eat much!).

Thanks to everyone for the well wishes!!

[twinmommy 0]

Congrats on the loss of apron! I can't wait to get rid of mine. Do you have pictures of what you looked like pre-band and after your weight loss? I am so happy for you!

[valzie 0]

Gayle I am sooo happy for you. You must feel like a new woman! Did your insurance pay for it? Big Medicine last night had a woman that had skin hanging to her knees and the insurance would not approve. I felt so bad for her.

I am not banded yet but already have hanging skin from children and yo-yo dieting. Had you considered a Tummy Tuck also or just needed the skin removal?

Congrats Again!

Valerie

[mommy3boys 0]

Congratulations, I am so happy and excited for you. You must feel like walking on cloud nine.

Ana

[faithmd 14]

I am sooooooo happy for you! That is just wonderful, I'm very glad it went well. I know that I will need extensive PS eventually (hopefully, I mean) and I'm weighing where I will have it done, Dallas is a possibility as is SF. Thanks for posting about your experience.

[sweetforlife 0]

Did you loose your belly button? I hear one of the complications are loosing a belly button? After my surgery I want to get one too...(after I pop out a few more kids) lol. But I am scared of loosing my belly button.

[helensmith 0]

did you insurance cover it?

[pamla68 1]

<p><p>That's wonderful! Congratulations!</p></p>

[GayleTX 1]

Yes, my insurance paid for it.....it was considered reconstructive surgery, not cosmetic. The justification my surgeon gave the ins. co. was back pain and balance issues.

No belly button issue.....my removal was below the belly button to the pubic area and way back behind my sides almost up to the waist. The incision made a big ol' smiley face if you can imagine that! :biggrin1: Wish I had a way to take pictures!

This is now my 18th day out and I'm feeling better within the last 2 days....had some of my stitches out a week ago. There will be swelling for 6 weeks they told me. The incision is looking good....better than what was there before, I promise you!! There is light between my legs and I can cross my legs!!:clap2:

[GayleTX 1]

Oh, yes, Val.....I l plan to go back in a year or so when I think I'm thru losing and have a Tummy Tuck and love handles removed probably. In the meantime I'll get by with a nice high rise girdle!

[Iluvharleys 15]

Congrats to you! I bet you look awsome!

[Big As Life 0]

Gayle,

Congrats To You...i Know You Must Be So Glad This Is Over...now To Start The Healing...good Luck And I Hope You Are Feeling Great Really Soon...

[Darragha 0]

Congrats! I fear the apron...but I'm a year off from having one

Darr

[elinrw 0]

Do you mind telling me how much this cost? I haven't been banded yet, but have lost 50lbs on my own and my pani is already sagging. I envision it dragging on the ground if I reach my goal. I'm having to borrow money to pay for the lap band and will have to borrow for the rest of it so I'm looking for cheap as well as competent!

[GayleTX 1]

elinrw.......fees vary greatly around the country. my surgeon's fee was $4200, the OR was about $6000, and I spent the night in the hospital, which is not common (I don't remember how much it was). Lots of people go to Mexico and have had good results. Whatever you do, please put competency about price - I had an excellent surgeon and even at that this has not been a lot of fun.